Study in Germany from the UAE – Your Complete Guide

Germany is a popular choice for students in Europe, especially those from the UAE. It has good universities, low tuition, and job prospects, making it a great place to study abroad.

• More than 469,000 international students are in German universities.
• International student numbers went up by 7% last year.
• Most public universities do not charge tuition.
• Students from outside the EU are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week.
• Graduates can stay for a year and a half to look for employment.

 

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Why Study in Germany from the UAE?

Germany attracts many students from the UAE because of its good education and low tuition. It's known for being very strong in subjects like engineering, business, and science. Students there can use advanced research tools, modern buildings, and learn from great teachers. Most government-run schools don't cost much, making it a good choice for students from the UAE who want to save money.

Also, Germany is safe and friendly, with cities that have people from all over the world and good transportation. The country’s visa rules let students work while they study and look for jobs after they graduate. This makes it easier for them to build their careers and live there for a long time.

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What is Germany Student Visa?

The Germany Student Visa, a national visa (Type D), enables students from outside the EU, such as those from the UAE, to enter and reside in Germany for full-time academic study. It is for students accepted to a German higher education institution.

This visa allows a stay of over 90 days, participation in a program, and the option to change the visa to a residence permit upon arrival. It also permits part-time work during studies and the chance to apply for an 18-month work extension after graduation.

 

Types of Germany Student Visas

The various types of German Student Visa are given in the table below.

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration
Student Visa	For students with confirmed admission to a German university	Up to 90 days (extendable)
Student Applicant Visa	For students applying in person or awaiting final admission	Up to 90 days (extendable)
Language Course Visa	For those enrolled in an intensive German language course	Duration of the course (max 1 year)

 

 

Benefits of Studying in Germany

Germany provides several appealing choices for students. Many public schools do not charge tuition, even for students from other countries.

• German schools have a good reputation around the world.
• There are many programs taught in English at both the bachelor's and master's levels.
• After graduation, students can stay for a year and a half to look for work in their field.
• Germany's job market is strong, especially in areas like engineering, IT, and healthcare.
• Students can work up to 20 hours each week during the school year and full-time during breaks.
• Germany is safe and has good transportation, healthcare, and a high quality of life.
• A student visa allows travel to 26 countries in Europe.
• The cost of living in Germany is fairly low compared to many other countries in Western Europe.
• After gaining work experience, students can apply to become permanent residents.

 

Who Can Apply for a Germany Student Visa from the UAE?

To apply, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UAE National admitted to an accredited German higher education institution.
• Be a UAE resident (expatriate) holding a valid UAE residency visa and a non-EU passport.
• Have been fully or conditionally admitted to a German university.
• Be applying for a language course, preparatory program or a student applicant visa.
• Be able to give proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, academic credentials, and language skills.
• Have clear intention to enroll as a full-time student and meet German immigration and academic standards.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Studying in Germany

To be eligible to study in Germany, you meet the eligibility criteria given below.

• To enroll in a bachelor’s program, applicants must possess a high school diploma. Admission to a master’s program generally needs a bachelor’s degree.
• A letter of acceptance, even if conditional, from a German educational institution is necessary.
• Proficiency in the language of instruction is required, as shown by official scores from tests such as IELTS or TOEFL for English programs, or TestDaF or DSH for German programs, matching the program’s requirements.
• Sufficient financial resources are needed to cover living expenses, often around €11,904 in a blocked account for one year.
• A current passport and a clean criminal record are requirements.
• Applicants should secure health insurance valid in Germany.
• Educational records and any requested documents should be prepared.
• Enrollment should be on a full-time basis, and adherence to all visa regulations is expected.

 

Documents Required to Study in Germany from the UAE

To apply for a German national visa, you will generally need:

• A passport valid for at least six more months, with blank pages for visa stamps.
• A completed national visa application form (Type D).
• Recent passport-sized photos that meet the German embassy's requirements.
• A letter of admission (or conditional acceptance) from a German university.
• Official academic records (high school or Bachelor's).
• Proof you can support yourself financially—often a blocked account with around €11,904 for a year.
• Proof of health insurance that works in Germany.
• A language certificate (like IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF).
• A statement of purpose describing your study plans and career aims.
• A CV showing your education and work history.
• A receipt confirming you've paid the visa fee.
• Proof of where you will be staying.
• A police clearance certificate, if the embassy asks for one.

 

How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa – Step-by-Step

The process to apply for a Germany Student Visa is given below.

Step 1: Get an acceptance letter (either regular or conditional) from a German university or school that is approved.

Step 2: Create a special bank account with a minimum of €11,904 to cover your expenses. Also, get health insurance that will last for as long as you plan to stay in Germany.

Step 3: Make an appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate in the UAE to turn in your visa application.

Step 4: Submit all the papers they ask for, give your fingerprints and photo, pay the visa fee, and go to the visa interview if they require one.

Step 5: If it gets approved, pick up your visa and get ready to go to Germany.

 

 

Cost of Studying in Germany from the UAE

Detailed information about the cost of studying in Germany is given below:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (EUR)
Tuition Fees (Public Univ.)	€0 – €1,500 per year
Semester Contribution	€250 – €350 per semester
Private University Tuition	€10,000 – €20,000 per year
Living Expenses	€900 – €1,200 per month
Blocked Account Requirement	€11,904 per year
Health Insurance	€90 – €120 per month
Visa Application Fee	€ 75
Flight & Travel Costs	€500 – €800 (one-way)
Initial Setup (Deposit, Essentials)	€800 – €1,000

 

 

Germany Student Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for Germany Student Visa is given below.

Stage of Process	Estimated Time Frame
Visa Appointment Availability	1 to 4 weeks
Document Submission & Biometric	1 day (on appointment date)
Visa Processing Duration	4 to 12 weeks
Total Estimated Timeline	5 to 13 weeks

 

 

Scholarships for UAE Students to Study in Germany

The various scholarships available for UAE students in Germany are given below.

Scholarship Name	Amount	What It Covers
DAAD Scholarship (PG Programs)	€850–€1,200/month	Tuition (where applicable), living expenses, travel allowance, insurance
Deutschlandstipendium	€300/month	Merit-based grant for living costs; jointly funded by public & private sectors
Erasmus+	€300–€600/month + tuition	Tuition, living expenses, travel grants for exchange & joint master’s degrees
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)	€850/month + travel costs	Monthly stipend, insurance, travel allowance, German language courses
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung	€750–€850/month	Living expenses, health insurance, books, language support
Heinrich Böll Foundation	Up to €1,200/month	Full academic funding, tuition fees (if any), health insurance
Rosa Luxemburg Foundation	€850/month + allowances	Living costs, health insurance, and travel for international students
KAAD Scholarship	Varies	For postgraduate students; covers living, travel, tuition, and language prep
Humboldt Research Fellowship	€2,670/month (postdocs)	Living, travel, and research expenses for PhD and postdoc researchers
BayHOST Scholarship	€850/month	For students from Central/Eastern Europe & MENA; living and tuition support

 

Can You Work While Studying in Germany?

Yes, international students can work while studying in Germany. Students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days each year without needing a separate permit. During the semester, students can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. Full-time work is allowed during semester breaks and official holidays.

Some university jobs, such as working as a research assistant, might not count toward these limits. While part-time work can help students with living costs and provide work experience, it shouldn't be viewed as the primary source of income, as students still need to prove they have sufficient funds for their visa. Working more hours than allowed or without the proper authorization can cause issues with their visa status.

 

Post-Study Work and PR Opportunities in Germany

International graduates can apply for an 18-month residence permit in order to seek employment that aligns with their academic background. Upon securing such employment, they have the option to switch to a work visa or an EU Blue Card. After a certain period of legal employment, students may then be able to apply for permanent residency.

More information is given below:

Option	Details	Duration / Conditions
Job Seeker Visa (Post-Study)	Allows graduates to stay in Germany to find a job related to their field of study	Valid for up to 18 months after graduation
EU Blue Card	Work and residence permit for highly skilled professionals with a job offer	Minimum salary threshold applies; valid for up to 4 years
Permanent Residency (PR)	Allows long-term stay and freedom to live and work in Germany indefinitely	Eligible after 33 months on Blue Card or 21 months with B1 German level
Settlement Permit	A type of PR for skilled workers who have held a residence permit for several years	Requires stable income, German integration, and insurance
Path to German Citizenship	Citizenship through naturalization after living in Germany with legal residence	Eligible after 5 to 8 years (depends on integration level)

 

Bringing Family While Studying in Germany

In Germany, international students can bring their immediate family—spouses and children—if they meet certain criteria. Students need to prove they have enough money, housing, and health insurance for each family member. A separate family reunion visa is required, and it’s usually processed after the student gets their visa and residence permit.

Student spouses usually cannot work without special permission. Children can go to public schools for free. Family members get residence permits that last as long as the student’s stay. Bringing family is possible but requires careful planning and paperwork.

 

Top Courses to Study in Germany

 

Field of Study	Top Universities / Schools	Popular Programs
Engineering	- TU Munich - RWTH Aachen University - TU Berlin - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology - TU Dresden - University of Stuttgart - Leibniz University Hannover - TU Darmstadt - University of Freiburg - University of Erlangen-Nuremberg	Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Automotive, Mechatronics
Computer Science & IT	- TU Munich - University of Bonn - University of Mannheim - RWTH Aachen University - Saarland University - TU Darmstadt - LMU Munich - University of Potsdam - KIT - University of Bremen	Data Science, AI, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering
Business & Management	- University of Mannheim - WHU - Frankfurt School of Finance - ESMT Berlin - LMU Munich - TU Munich - University of Cologne - HHL Leipzig - University of Hamburg - EBS University	International Business, Finance, MBA, Marketing
Medicine & Health Sciences	- Heidelberg University - Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin - LMU Munich - University of Freiburg - University of Tübingen - RWTH Aachen - University of Göttingen - University of Leipzig - University of Ulm - University of Würzburg	General Medicine, Public Health, Dentistry, Biomedical
Natural Sciences	- LMU Munich - Heidelberg University - University of Göttingen - University of Freiburg - University of Würzburg - RWTH Aachen - University of Tübingen - University of Kiel - TU Dresden - University of Bonn	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences
Law	- Heidelberg University - LMU Munich - University of Freiburg - University of Cologne - Humboldt University Berlin - University of Hamburg - Goethe University Frankfurt - University of Münster - University of Leipzig - University of Bonn	German Law, International Law, European Law
Architecture & Design	- TU Berlin - University of Stuttgart - Bauhaus University Weimar - RWTH Aachen - TU Dresden - University of Kassel - HCU Hamburg - TU Munich - Leibniz University Hannover - KIT	Architecture, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture
Social Sciences & Humanities	- Humboldt University Berlin - LMU Munich - University of Heidelberg - University of Leipzig - University of Bielefeld - University of Konstanz - University of Cologne - University of Münster - Free University Berlin - University of Jena	Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, History
Environmental Science	- University of Freiburg - TU Munich - University of Bayreuth - University of Göttingen - University of Kiel - University of Hohenheim - RWTH Aachen - University of Greifswald - TU Dresden - University of Potsdam	Sustainability, Environmental Mgmt, Climate Studies
Arts & Music	- Berlin University of the Arts - Hochschule für Musik und Theater München - Folkwang University of the Arts - Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin - University of Music Stuttgart - University of Music Karlsruhe - Music Würzburg - Arts Bremen - Leipzig University of Music - HfMT Hamburg	Fine Arts, Music, Performance, Digital Arts, Musicology

 

 

Top Universities in Germany for UAE Students

University Name	QS World Ranking 2025	Why It's Popular Among UAE Students
Technical University of Munich (TUM)	#28	Renowned for engineering, IT, and business; offers many English-taught programs
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich	#54	Strong in medicine, humanities, and sciences with global research reputation
Heidelberg University	#63	Germany’s oldest university, known for medicine and life sciences
Humboldt University of Berlin	#87	Popular for social sciences, law, and humanities in the capital city
Free University of Berlin	#98	Known for political science, international relations, and interdisciplinary studies
RWTH Aachen University	#106	Leading technical university; popular for mechanical and civil engineering
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	#118	High research output in computer science, engineering, and natural sciences
University of Freiburg	#129	Excellent for life sciences and environmental studies
University of Göttingen	#139	Reputable for natural sciences, especially biology and physics
University of Tübingen	#147	Strong in medicine, humanities, and AI research

 

 

Living in Germany as a Student

For students, living in Germany is generally affordable and safe. Monthly costs usually range from €850 to €1,100, varying by city. Students often pay little to no tuition at public universities, and they get discounts on public transportation, cheaper meals, and affordable health insurance. International students can find a good quality of life whether they choose a lively city such as Berlin or a calmer one like Freiburg. They can also work part-time and be part of a multicultural setting that helps them succeed in school and grow as people.

 

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

Y-Axis, a leading immigration and visa consultancy in the UAE, We aid students in applying to German universities by giving expert advice during each stage. With our experience and global reach, Y-Axis makes sure students have a simple and well-informed study-abroad experience that fits their aims.

Our services include:

• Individualized advice on picking universities and courses in Germany.
• Expert help with student visa paperwork and applications.
• Avail Y-Axis Coaching services for better results in tests.
• Support with SOPs, LORs, and admission interviews.
• Continued support with services after arrival and advice on housing.